As the vibrant summer blooms fade and the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, many people start preparing their gardens for winter. However, it’s important to remember that pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects still need our support in the fall. In upstate New York, the changing seasons can be a critical time for these creatures as they prepare for winter or migrate to warmer regions. Here’s how you can help pollinators thrive as the temperatures drop.

1. Grow Late-Blooming Flowers

Pollinators need food sources throughout the fall to build up energy reserves for hibernation or migration. Monarch butterflies, which migrate from the Adirondacks all the way to Mexico, rely on nectar-rich plants to fuel their long journey. Consider growing late-blooming flowers that provide nectar and pollen. Some great choices for our region include:

• Asters: These hardy perennials bloom well into October, providing nectar for bees and butterflies.
• Goldenrod: Often mistaken for a weed, goldenrod is a vital source of late-season nectar.

These plants can ensure that your habitat remains a valuable food source for pollinators, even as other flowers fade.

2. Leave the Leaves

It can be tempting to rake up all the fallen leaves in your yard, but many pollinators, including some species of bees, butterflies, and moths, use leaf litter to overwinter. By leaving leaves in garden beds or designated areas of your yard, you’re providing essential shelter for these insects. If you need to tidy up, consider creating leaf piles in a corner of your yard where they won’t be disturbed.

3. Provide Water Sources

Pollinators need water, especially during dry spells in early fall. A shallow dish filled with fresh water and pebbles for perching can serve as a perfect hydration station. Change the water regularly to avoid mosquitoes, and place the dish in a sunny spot where pollinators can easily find it.

4. Create Overwintering Habitat

Many native bees and other insects overwinter in hollow stems, leaf litter, or underground. When cleaning up your garden for winter, leave plant stems standing, especially those of hollow-stemmed plants like raspberries or elderberries. These provide essential nesting spaces for solitary bees. You can also leave a few patches of bare, undisturbed soil, which some ground-dwelling bees use to burrow for the winter.

5. Leave Logs and Stumps

Dead trees, logs, and stumps are natural habitats for many pollinators and beneficial insects. Carpenter bees, for example, bore into wood to create their nests. Leaving logs and stumps in your yard not only supports these insects but can also add natural beauty and wildlife habitat to your landscape.

Small Steps Make a Big Impact

Fall may signal the end of the gardening season, but it’s a critical time to support pollinators. By including late-season blooms, reducing garden cleanup, and providing natural habitats, you can create a welcoming environment for these essential creatures as they prepare for winter. With just a few simple actions, you’ll be contributing to the health of pollinators and ensuring they return to your garden next spring.